Sardinia

Italy

Sardinia Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.

Language

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.

Travel Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to
Italy and you should be able to travel without special vaccinations
and medications. Medical facilities in Italy are good but travel
insurance is still recommended for non-EU citizens as medical
attention can be expensive. EU citizens can make use of Italy's
health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC). Although it should be possible to get most medication in
Italy, travel authorities always suggest that you take any
prescribed medication that you require with you, in its original
packaging, and with a signed and dated letter from your doctor
explaining what it is and why you need it.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Italy and 10 to 15 percent of the bill
is acceptable in restaurants (unless, as is increasingly the case,
a 15 percent service charge has already been added to the bill).
Hotels add a service charge of 15 to 18 percent, but it is
customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi
drivers, but a 5 to 10 percent tip is always appreciated.

Safety Information

Tourists in Italy should be vigilant to ensure their safety in
public places and tourist sites as the Italian Government has
warned that the risk of international terrorist attacks has
increased. Domestic terrorism continues, but targets are usually
Italian authorities; however, there is a slight possibility of
being caught up in attacks. Tourists are vulnerable to
pickpocketing and muggings in the bigger cities, particularly on
public transport, in crowded areas and around tourist sites, and
should exercise caution when carrying large amounts of cash and
valuables. Make intelligent use of hotel safes and split valuables
between people, bags and pockets to limit the damage if you are
pickpocketed. Be particularly careful around the main train
station, Termini. Visitors should be wary of groups of children,
some of whom will distract attention while the others try to steal
what they can. Strikes by transport workers take place regularly
throughout Italy and delays are possible. Anti-austerity strikes
have also become common and travellers are advised to avoid these
mass gatherings which can degenerate into violence.

Local Customs

In Italy, it is an offence to sit on steps and in courtyards
near public buildings, including the main churches in Florence;
eating and drinking in the vicinity should also be avoided. Shorts,
vests or any other immodest clothing should not be worn inside
churches.

Business

Italians can be very formal and old fashioned, but are also warm
and welcoming. Face to face communication is best, and often a
third party introduction can speed initial negotiations. Business
attire is formal and very stylish, and handshakes are the norm.
First impressions count for a lot in Italy. Expect plenty of
gesticulating and interruptions, or people talking over each other.
Business cards are used. Unfortunately the bureaucracy in Italy can
slow down deal-making.

Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but can
vary according to season and region.

Communications

The international access code for Italy is +39. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). All numbers must be preceded by 0, whether
originating in Italy or out, unless calling a mobile phone.
City/area codes are in use, e.g. 02 for Milan and 06 for Rome.
There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is
generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes
take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be
bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM
networks and have roaming agreements with most international
operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and
resorts.

Duty Free

Travellers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to
pay duty on Travellers from EU countries travelling within the EU
are limited to 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine (of which 60
litres may be sparkling), 20 litres of fortified wine, 10 litres of
spirits, 1kg of tobacco, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 1kg of tobacco
and 400 cigarellos, perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette, and
other goods for personal consumption to the value of €175 per
adult or €90 for children under 15 years. EU citizens are
also able to claim tax back if the VAT rates in Italy are higher
than those in their country of residence. Prohibited items include
narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives
and protected animal and plant species.

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